Date:         Mon, 22 Sep 1997 07:55:56 -0500
Reply-To:     tellis <tellis@WISCASSET.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon mailing list <Vanagon@Gerry.SDSC.EDU>
From:         tellis <tellis@WISCASSET.NET>
Subject:      Re: importing a EV Westi
Comments: To: "Drew B. Farenwald" <dbf@ARL.MIL>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

At 5:41 AM 9/22/97, Drew B. Farenwald wrote:
>On Fri, 19 Sep 1997, tellis wrote:
>
>> I have found, and wish to import from Canada to the US, a 1994 Westfalia
>> EV.  I have seen and driven the Winnebago EV and I have researched the
>> Westfalia EV.  I prefer the Westie EV.
>
>So...  What do you like better about the Westfalia?
>
>--Drew
>95 EV-C (Beulah)

Good Question!  I have seen and driven the EV Winnie and I have only read
about and seen literature from Germany on the EV Westie.  The engines are
the same as are most of the mechanical and driving systems.

Advantages that I see:
1. The refrigerator is 12 volt, and evidently very reliable.  The door
lifts up, which makes it much more efficient.
2. Drainboard comes down over stove and drains into the sink as previous Westie.
3. Storage seems better designed in cab and in back.
4. Color choices other than white.
5.  Well -- it's a Westie!

Possible Disadvantages:
1. Top has less head room.  It is low profile like the weekender EVs that
were imported to the US.
2.  Canvas in poptop has screen only on front, not on the sides as well as
in the EV Winnie.
3.  Because the top is low profile and goes the entire length of the van,
it doesn't have the storage area above the drivers/passenger seat.  This
could be a driving and fuel mileage advantage.
4.  No small sink/spray accessible from the rear.
5.  Possible more difficulty in locating replacement parts for camping
components.

This may all be academic as I still have not determined for sure that it
will meet DOT safety standards without prohibitive alterations.

Stay tuned.

Tim